VAUXHALL Motors' drive for safety has been dealt a harsh blow as skipper Steve McNulty begins a three-match ban having picked up his 10th booking of the season.

The influential defender, who is also the Motormen's penalty taker, will miss the Conference North visits of Kettering Town and Barrow and the trip to Scarborough after receiving a caution at Alfreton Town.

The setback comes as Motors boss Carl Macauley and assistant Carl Spell-man intensify their search for players in preparation for what may be a tense finish to the season.

'Losing McNulty in the centre of defence is a massive blow to us,' said Spellman.

'His bookings totted up and he has now received a three-match ban. He will be a big loss.' Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Moor Green highlighted that injuries and suspensions are taking their toll.

But Spellman admits that attracting new faces to Rivacre Park is tough, given Motors' limited spending power.

He said: 'It's very difficult to get the players you want as often they want more money than we can afford.

'We are looking at a couple of Conference North players but we are still awaiting clearance.

'They are experienced players who will hopefully be able to do a job for us.'

On Saturday, the Motor-men welcome Kettering Town who have not been beaten since New Year's Day.

Also arriving at Rivacre Park will be former Manchester United and Aston Villa manager Ron Atkinson.

The former ITV pundit joined the Poppies in January as director of football.

It is the second time Kettering have brought a major football personality to Rivacre Park after the teams clashed while Paul Gascoigne was in charge of the Poppies last season.

But Spellman says his side will remain focused on picking up all three points and, hopefully, put an end to their seven-game run without a win.

'We need the points,' he said.

'Teams below us are beginning to win now so it is vital that we pick up some victories.' nMotors host struggling Barrow in the Conference North on Tuesday night (7.45).